Review of Dead Calm (1989) by Calum B — 05 Mar 2013

"Dead Calm" scared the heck out of me BECAUSE it took place on the Pacific Ocean. I don't even plan a cruise on a huge liner, much-less on a yacht. During unexpected situations, oceans and seas (even lakes) don't give you any place to run. Yet, I AM attracted to sea-stories - younger people should take a look at "Lifeboat", with Tallulah Bankhead. Because the whole film is shot in the lifeboat, character-development is its plot.

"Dead Calm" develops its characters - except for Billy Zane ("Hughie Warriner") very quickly. I liked that: it didn't take-up half the picture before the story began. Terry Haryes (screenwriter) quickly defines how a fragilely weepy woman becomes a fighter, when it is necessary. There isn't a handbook that lists just what to do, and such desperate situations quickly confuse almost anyone on action to take.

Director Phillips Noyce (never heard of him) certainly produced a carefully thought-out plot. I found fault with none of it, except I agree "John Ingram" (Sam Neil) set-out for "The Orpheum" just a tad hastily, leaving his wife with a nutty-acting guy - I'd have thrown him back and sailed out of there. But, we need silly action to give the story more frightening scenes. Although "John's" actions on "The Orpheum" were thrilling and seemed to be what an experienced sailor would do, I'd have gotten right back in my dinghy and left that ship. I also wondered what happened to the lifeboat seen trailing the ship. after he gets it to sailing. Why build a raft ? Again, after a harrowing attempt to get off the ship would cause almost anyone not to think rationally.

Nicole Kidman ("Rae Ingram") played her role skillfully. The cinematography was gorgeous and grotesque. Although Neil was stellar in his role, Zane stole the picture. Bravo! I liked every scene in "Dead Calm" - I own the DVD and watch it often - even liked the "tacked-on" ending that so many thought was unnecessary. I recommend it to any audience - I get so caught-up in the story, I don't try to make any reasonable explanations for its few weaknesses. It's a 10-er....